Regulus held out his hand and helped Aaralyn get out of the carriage. Aleron tired to do the same for Fanchon but she refused his help. They made their way up the stone pavement and into the castle. They went into the Great Hall and had to go their separate ways.

"Well, I guess I'll talk to you later?" Regulus said looking down at Aaralyn.

"Yes, I'd like that," she said smiling. She turned to Fanchon and they linked arms and walked over to the Ravenclaw table.

"She totally digs me," said Aleron, grinning.

Regulus laughed and said "If that's what you call it."

He was heading over to the Slytherin table when he heard a voice yell, "Hey! Reg!"

Regulus halted. There was only one person that he knew who ever called him "Reg." Turning in the direction of the yell, he already knew who was bounding over to him. He was surprised that the person could even see through his grey eyes with all of that shaggy black hair in the way. The person slid to a stop right beside him and said, "Who's your lady friend?"

Regulus sighed, "Why do you care, Sirius?"

Sirius grinned, "Well, you see, a big brother should always know who his kid brother is hanging out with."

Regulus smiled. He rarely had a "normal" conversation with his brother. "Her name is Aaralyn."

Sirius raised his eyebrows and play punched Regulus on the shoulder, "Nice, but isn't she a Muggleborn?"

Regulus knew why Sirius asked him this. It was not because Sirius cared about Aaralyn's blood-status, it was because of their parents. Regulus acted different around his parents to make them proud of him. One of the things that they thought he hated was Muggleborns.

"Uhhh, yeah, she is.... You won't tell Mom and Dad though, will you?"

Sirius shook his head and his long hair went crazy, "Nah, I wouldn't do that. Anyways, a Ravenclaw girl is loads better than any Slytherin girl. I wouldn't tell your parents."

Regulus looked up thankfully. They might not be close but Sirius would never rat him out to anyone. Regulus felt a twinge of guilt since he use to tell on Sirius whenever he had the chance. He also winced when Sirius put emphasis on "your parents." Sirius had moved out last year and was disowned by their parents. "Thanks. I'll see you later?"

"No problem, later." Sirius strolled over to the Gryffindor table. He was the first family member to be sorted that house in a very long time. At times, Regulus felt a little envious of him...

Regulus walked over to the Slytherin table. He sat down in between Severus Snape and Aleron. Everyone went quiet when Professor McGonagall brought out the Sorting Hat. It sang its song and the sorting began. Slytherin got five new students. Regulus found it hard to believe that he was ever that small when he first came to Hogwarts.

The feast began after Professor Dumbledore said his usual speech. Regulus was not very hungry, he put a small piece of turkey and a scoop of potatoes in his plate. He ate a few bites and looked over to the Ravenclaw table. Aaralyn was sitting in between Fanchon and a red-haired girl named Braxie Davin. Regulus caught Aaralyn's eye and winked at her, she waved shyly to back to him. Both Fanchon and Braxie raised their eyebrows and started whispering to Aaralyn.

Once the feast was over, Regulus and Aleron headed down to the Slytherin common room.

"Hey, I have an idea!" said Aleron excitedly.

Regulus looked at him, "Yes?"

"We should take Aaralyn and Fanchon to Hogsmeade for the first trip."

Regulus shook his head, "You seriously think that Fanchon would go anywhere with you? No offense, but it didn't look like she's a real big fan of yours."

"Oh, she likes me, or at least she will soon. I can tell."

Regulus rolled his eyes, "Well, if you can get Fanchon to go with you, I'll ask Aaralyn."

"I'm sure you'll ask her either way," he said with a smirk.

"What do you mean by that?"

Aleron put on his best "Regulus voice" and said, "What's wrong, my Sweet?"

Regulus smiled, pushed Aleron into the dungeon wall, and kept walking.

Aleron ran towards him, rubbing his head. "What was that for?" he asked, acting surprised.

"Haha, sorry. Was I that obvious?"

Aleron thought for a second, "No, not really. I just know you too well."

They reached the common room door and a prefect gave them the password. They opened the door and stepped into the room. It was underground with stone walls. Hanging from the ceiling were round, greenish lamps. They could hear the crackling of the fire over the soft murmur of people whispering.

Regulus said goodnight to Aleron. He headed up the tall, narrow, marble staircase. He turned into the fifth year boy's dormitory. He looked around at the familiar bedroom and smiled. He walked to the third bed on the right and sat down on the soft green and sliver comforter. He had the same one on his bed at home. He opened his trunk and took out his pajamas. He closed the curtains around his four-poster bed and changed. Finally, he slid into bed and fell asleep thinking about those beautiful blue eyes.